How I did it: My husband and I moved in to a unit above his parents house and scrimped and saved for two years, putting away what we thought a maximum mortgage payment for us would be so we'd be used to living off a limited budget.  For some time we had what we considered enough of a down payment (10% for first home buyers) but it was really the news that we were going to become parents within the next nine months that really got our butts in gear!  One Sunday, while driving around a neighborhood we liked, checking out open houses, we passed by a cute one story house with a big yard with a sign in the middle of it which read "for sale by owner" and a price that was a bit higher than what we coould afford, but we figured we could try any way.  Working out an agreed upon offer with the owner (no realtors involved!!) went alot easier than I thought and within a couple weeks after getting a tour of the house, both parties were satisfied and moving on to opening up escrow.  We had sort of a longish escrow process (FHA loan) which I felt was a good thing.  This is not a process to be rushed!  The day we got the keys (two days ago) came here before you knew it.  This morning, Halloween 2009, is our official MOVE IN day!  I'm so excited to have a house for my growing family to start in!

Lessons & tips: Don't be afraid of doing things on your own.  If you know what you want, go seek out the house on your own.  We have many realtor friends that helped us on the initial offer letter paperwork, and then everything gets handled after that in the title office and by your financial representative.  It may not be the right choice for everyone, but I just wanted to share our experience that it's one possible way to go.

Oct 31, 06:24AM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers